Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/148

142 Invincible. Abashed the Devil stood, And felt how awful goodness is, and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely; saw, and pined His loss; but cheiflychiefly [sic] to find here observed His lustre visibly impaired; yet seemed Undaunted:—"If I must contend," said he, "Best with the best, the sender, not the sent, Or all at once; more glory will be won, Or less be lost."—"Thy fear," said Zephon bold, "Will save us trial what the least can do Single against thee wicked, and thence weak."
 * The Fiend replied not, overcome with rage;

But, like a proud steed reined went haughty on, Champing his iron curb: to strive or fly He held it vain; awe from above had quelled His heart, not else dismayed. Now drew they nigh The western point, where those half-rounding guards Just met, and closing stood in squadron joined, Awaiting next command. To whom their chief, Gabriël, from the front thus called aloud:
 * "O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet

Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern Ithuriël and Zephon thoughthrough [sic] the shade; And with them comes a third of regal port, But faded splendor wan, who by his gait And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell, Not likely to part hence without contest.